The ‘Athletics Integrity Unity chief had stated that India has extremely high risk of doping and this indicates a significant crisis in Indian athletics. The downgrade to Category A is a serious administrative and reputational blow as India was ranked in top two for most Anti-Doping Rule violations in Athletics between 2022 and 2025.
The decision by the AIU is primarily date-driven, based on the volume of Anti-Doping Rule Violations recorded over the last three years. The Athletics Federation of India will now be subject to more rigorous monitoring of such tests as the reputation of the athletes of the entire country is affected.
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AIU chief slams systemic failures amid cases of violation gaps rise in India
There are divisions among the member federations based on their doping risk and India moving to category A suggests that it is the highest tier and will be subject to strict testing conditions. Athletes from category A nations must undergo at least three no-notice, out-of-competition tests (including blood and urine) in ten months leading up to major championship events. The cost and logical planning for this increased testing frequency will fall on the national federation. Such additional costs could definitely backfire the federation in terms of proper allocation of financial resources.
“The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping program is simply not proportionate to the doping risk,” said the AIU’s chairman David Howman.
The period between 2022 and 2025 witnessed several high-profile Indian athletes testing positive for banned substances including steroids and EPO. There was increased domestic testing by the National Anti-Doping Agency but there wasn’t any visible difference. From the reports, it was inferred that it was the lack of professionalism from the support staff. They would advise the athletes in certain ways to bypass the tests and get clearance. It is also claimed that such violations occur due to the lack of awareness among the staff and athletes regarding contaminated supplements. Recently, DP Manu was handed a four-year ban in April 2025 following a positive test in the 2024 Indian Grand Prix 1,
The Indian fans have always been hopeful regarding the growth of India in the Olympics and other Championship events due to the talent we possess. However, such practices indicate a downward growth in the Indian athletics scene as they seem unaware of even the simplest of regulations of the game.
